About The Song
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a soul song that became one of Marvin Gaye’s signature hits. The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and was originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1967. However, it was Marvin Gaye’s version, released in 1968, that became the most famous and commercially successful.
Artist: Marvin Gaye
Writers: Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
Release Date: October 30, 1968
Genre: Soul, R&B
Label: Tamla (Motown)
Chart Performance:
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
- It also topped the R&B singles chart.
- “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” became one of Motown’s best-selling singles of all time.
Notable Features:
- Marvin Gaye’s version of the song has a distinctive arrangement with a driving beat, a memorable bassline, and an emotive vocal delivery.
- The lyrics tell the story of a man who hears rumors about his romantic partner’s infidelity through the grapevine (informal communication), leading to feelings of heartbreak and betrayal.
Legacy:
- The song has been covered by various artists, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, who also had a successful version of the song in 1970.
- In 2018, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” at number 81 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Impact:
- The song is often praised for its emotional intensity, with Marvin Gaye’s performance capturing the pain and vulnerability expressed in the lyrics.
- It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, contributing to its enduring popularity.
Awards:
- While the song did not win any major awards, it has been recognized for its cultural and musical significance over the years.
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” remains a classic soul song and a defining moment in Marvin Gaye’s career. Its timeless quality and emotional depth have secured its place as one of the greatest and most enduring songs in the history of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
“I Heard It Through The Grapevine”
I bet you’re wonderin’ how I knew
‘Bout your plans to make me blue
With some other guy you knew before
Between the two of us guys
You know I loved you more
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday
Don’t you know that I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
Oh I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah.
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine baby
I know a man ain’t supposed to cry
But these tears I can’t hold inside
Losin’ you would end my life you see
‘Cause you mean that much to me
You could have told me yourself
That you loved someone else
Instead I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby
People say believe half of what you see
Some and none of what you hear
But I can’t help but be confused
If it’s true please tell me dear
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy you loved before?
Don’t you know I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
I heard it through the grapevine
I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey, yeah
I heard it through the grapevine,
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
Honey, honey, yeah
I heard it through the grapevine,
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah yeah
I heard it through the grapevine,
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah yeah